You lose your license at 15 points in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the Driver Penalty Point System tracks violations on your driving record. When you accumulate 15 points within a two-year period, the BC Superintendent of Motor Vehicles automatically suspends your license. This is not a warning or a fine — it is a mandatory suspension that takes effect when ready once you hit 15 points.

The suspension lasts a minimum of one month. After that month, you can request a review, but the Superintendent may extend the suspension if they believe you are still a risk on the road. You cannot drive during any suspension period, even with a restricted license, unless the Superintendent grants you a special exemption (which is rare and requires extraordinary circumstances).

Points stay on your record for two years from the date of the violation. This means a single serious infraction can push you over the threshold, or several minor ones accumulated over time can do the same. Either way, once you reach 15, your license is gone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your BC license suspends automatically when you reach 15 points within any two-year period.
  • Different violations carry different point values — a speeding ticket might be 2 points, while dangerous driving can be 10 points.
  • Points remain on your record for two years from the violation date, so older infractions eventually fall off.
  • A suspension lasts at least one month, and you cannot drive during that time under any circumstances.
  • You can request a review after the first month, but the Superintendent decides whether to lift or extend the suspension.

How points are assigned to common violations

Not all traffic violations carry the same point value. BC assigns points based on how serious the offense is and how much risk it poses to other drivers. A minor speeding ticket is worth fewer points than a collision caused by careless driving.

Here are typical point values for common violations:

  • Speeding (1–15 km/h over the limit): 1 point
  • Speeding (16–30 km/h over the limit): 2 points
  • Speeding (31+ km/h over the limit): 3 points
  • Failing to obey a traffic signal: 2 points
  • Failing to yield the right of way: 2 points
  • Driving without a valid license or with a suspended license: 3 points
  • Careless driving: 4 points
  • Driving under the influence (first offense): 10 points
  • Dangerous driving: 10 points

If you receive a ticket, the point value will be listed on the ticket itself. You can also contact ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) or check your online ICBC account to see your current point total and the violations on your record.

What happens when you reach 15 points

The moment your record hits 15 points, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles issues a suspension notice. ICBC will mail this notice to your address on file, but the suspension takes effect when ready — you do not get a grace period to finish driving home or make arrangements. If you are caught driving after the suspension begins, you face additional charges, fines, and a longer suspension.

The initial suspension period is one month minimum. After 30 days, you can submit a written request to the Superintendent asking for a review of the suspension. This is not an automatic reinstatement. The Superintendent will examine your driving record, the nature of your violations, and whether you pose an ongoing risk. They may lift the suspension, extend it, or impose conditions (such as requiring you to pass a defensive driving course before your license is restored).

If your suspension is extended, you will receive written notice of the new end date. You can request another review after that period ends, but repeated requests without significant changes to your circumstances are unlikely to succeed.

How to check your current point balance

You can view your driving record and point total through your ICBC online account. To set up an account, visit the ICBC website and register with your driver's license number and date of birth. Once logged in, you can see every violation on your record, the points assigned to each one, and the date each violation will drop off your record.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call ICBC at 1-800-663-3051 or visit a local ICBC office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. ICBC staff can tell you your exact point total and explain which violations are currently counting toward the 15-point threshold.

Checking your record regularly is useful because it helps you understand how close you are to suspension. If you are approaching 10 or 12 points, you know that one more moderate violation could trigger a suspension. This awareness can help you make safer driving choices in the short term.

What you need to do if your license is suspended

During a suspension, you cannot legally drive any vehicle in British Columbia, even if you own multiple vehicles or have access to someone else's car. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense that can result in fines up to $2,000, jail time, and a longer suspension.

You will need to arrange alternative transportation — public transit, carpooling, taxis, or ride-sharing services. If you have a job that requires driving, you may need to take time off or find a different role temporarily. Some employers offer support in these situations, so it is worth having that conversation early.

Keep the suspension notice that ICBC sends you. You will need it if you are stopped by police, as it proves you are aware of the suspension and its dates. If you are unsure when your suspension ends, contact ICBC to confirm the exact date.

How to avoid reaching 15 points

The most straightforward way to avoid suspension is to drive safely and follow traffic laws. However, if you do receive a ticket, you have options. You can pay the fine and accept the points, or you can dispute the ticket in traffic court. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or that circumstances warrant a different outcome, you can request a court hearing.

Another option is to take a defensive driving course. In BC, completing an approved course can reduce your point total by one point (up to a maximum of one point reduction per 12-month period). This does not erase violations, but it can help slow your progress toward 15 points if you are accumulating them over time. ICBC maintains a list of approved courses on its website.

If you are close to 15 points and receive a new violation, consider consulting a traffic lawyer. They can review the ticket, assess your options for disputing it, and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation. The cost of a lawyer may be worth it if it prevents a suspension that would disrupt your work and daily life.

What happens after your suspension ends

Once your suspension period is over and the Superintendent reinstates your license, your driving record does not reset to zero. The violations that caused the suspension remain on your record for two years from their original date. This means if you received a 10-point violation for dangerous driving, that violation will still be on your record 18 months later, even if you have been driving safely in the meantime.

However, violations do eventually fall off. Two years after the date of a violation, it no longer counts toward the 15-point threshold. If you had three violations that each occurred more than two years ago, they no longer affect your point total, even though they may still appear in your full driving history.

After reinstatement, drive carefully. A second suspension within a short period can result in a longer suspension and may affect your insurance rates significantly. ICBC and other insurers view multiple suspensions as a sign of high risk, and your premiums will reflect that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work during a suspension if I have a special reason?

No. BC does not issue restricted licenses or exemptions for work-related driving during a suspension from reaching 15 points. You must stop driving entirely. If your job requires driving, you will need to take leave, find alternative work, or arrange for someone else to drive you.

Do points from other provinces count toward my BC suspension?

BC only counts violations that occurred in British Columbia. If you received a ticket in another province, it does not add to your BC point total. However, if you move to BC with a suspended license from another province, you cannot drive in BC until that suspension is lifted in the original province.

What if I dispute a ticket and win in court?

If the court finds you not guilty or dismisses the charge, the violation is removed from your record and the points are erased. This is why disputing a ticket can be worthwhile if you believe it was issued incorrectly — a successful defense removes both the fine and the points.

How much does it cost to reinstate my license after a suspension?

ICBC charges a reinstatement fee, which varies. Contact ICBC directly or check your suspension notice for the exact amount. You must pay this fee before your license is reinstated, even after the suspension period ends and the Superintendent approves your return to driving.

Can I get my points reduced by taking a driving course?

Yes, but only by one point per 12-month period. An approved defensive driving course can reduce your total by one point, which may help if you are approaching 15 but does not erase violations. You can take the course while suspended, and the point reduction will explore once your license is reinstated.